Sore Throat and Strep Throat

Many children experience a sore throat from time to time. While some sore throats can be caused by a minor irritant, others can be caused by bacteria or a virus. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to your child's symptoms if he complains of a sore throat.
 
A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis or tonsillitis, is most often caused by a virus and accompanies a cold or the flu. Bacteria cause about 5 percent to 10 percent of sore throats. When the streptococcus bacterium causes a sore throat, the infection is called strep throat.

Symptoms of Strep Throat

Because serious complications can result, children with symptoms of strep throat should always be seen by a doctor. Here are some indications that your child may have strep throat:
  • fever
  • headache
  • painful swallowing
  • red rash
  • sore throat
  • stomach pain
  • swollen neck glands.

The symptoms of a sore throat and strep throat are usually worse in the morning. As the day progresses, symptoms generally improve.

Children with sore throats that develop the following symptoms should also see a doctor:

  • a lump in the neck
  • blood in saliva or phlegm
  • difficulty breathing
  • difficulty opening the mouth
  • earache
  • excessive drooling
  • fever over 101˚ F
  • frequently recurring sore throat
  • hoarseness lasting over two weeks
  • joint pain
  • pus in the back of the throat
  • rash
  • severe and prolonged sore throat.
Dry Air and Sore Throats
The cold winter months may cause sore throats, as the cold, dry air dries out the throats of people breathing through their mouths. These types of sore throats often occur in the morning, after people wake up from sleep.

This type of sore throat isn't caused by bacteria and should go away once the person has had something to drink.

Sore Throat Treatments

Bacterial sore throats can be treated with antibiotics. Since life-threatening diseases such as scarlet fever or rheumatic fever can result from strep throat, this condition should always be treated with an antibiotic and always requires a trip to the doctor's office.

Bacteria that contribute to sore throats can cause tonsillitis, a condition that causes the tonsils or surrounding parts of the throat to become inflamed. Performing a tonsillectomy, or removing the tonsils, is usually not necessary and isn't recommended for most children. However, a doctor might recommend a tonsillectomy if your child experiences frequent and recurring sore throats.

Sore throats caused by viruses can't be treated by antibiotics and usually run their course within a week. Here are some home treatments you can try to provide more comfort for your little one with a sore throat:

  • Allow children to gargle with warm salt water.
  • Allow children to suck on Popsicles®.
  • Offer acetaminophen.
  • Offer cool drinks or warm liquids.
  • Offer lozenges, hard candy or ice (older children only).
  • Offer plenty of fluids.
  • Place a steamer or humidifier in your child's room.
  • Provide soft foods.
  • Provide warm tea with honey.
Sore Throat Prevention
At some time in their lives, almost everyone will experience a sore throat. Many times, however, these sore throats could have been prevented. To prevent catching or passing the bacteria or virus that causes sore throats, practice proper personal hygiene:
  • Avoid touching your eyes and mouth.
  • Sneeze or cough into a tissue, not your hands.
  • Wash your hands regularly.

Resources

Deutsch, Ellen (2006). Strep Throat. Retrieved Sept. 6, 2007, from the Kids Health Web site: http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/infection/strep
_throat.html.

Mayo Clinic Staff (2006). Sore Throat. Retrieved Sept. 6, 2007, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sore-throat/DS00526.

Mayo Clinic Staff (2006). Strep Throat. Retrieved Sept. 6, 2007, from the Mayo Clinic Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/strep-throat/DS00260.